Temporary Pharmacist for Quentin N Burdick Memorial Health Care Facility in Belcourt, ND

Sources Sought: Temporary Pharmacist Services for Quentin N Burdick Memorial Health Care Facility

Sources Sought Notice Number: IHS-SS-26-1523556

This Sources Sought Notice is for informational and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation, an obligation or commitment by the Indian Health Service.

This notice is intended strictly for market research to determine the availability of Indian Economic Enterprises (IEE), or Other Small Businesses.

Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. The anticipated applicable NAICS code for this acquisition is 621399, Office of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners - other relevant NAICS codes will be considered based on responses received (such as conference centers, etc.)

1. BACKGROUND

The IHS is an agency within the Department of Health & Human Services and is responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The Indian Health Service provides a comprehensive health service delivery system for approximately 1.9 million American Indians and Alaska Natives who belong to 567 federally recognized tribes, in 35 states. The Indian Health Service Headquarters is located in Rockville, MD and then divided into twelve (12) physical areas: Alaska, Albuquerque, Bemidji, Billings, California, Great Plains, Nashville, Navajo, Oklahoma, Phoenix, Portland, and Tucson.

The Great Plains Area Office (GPAO) works in conjunction with 19 Indian Health Service Units and Tribal Managed Service Units to provide health care to approximately 130,000 Native American located in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa.

QNBMHCF falls under the GPAO and provides medical care to approximately 14,550 tribal members living on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation. The Service Unit was built in 1967 with renovation and clinic expansion completed in 1992, to provide an expanded level of outpatient health care services specifically designed to meet the needs of our population. Services include: 24 Hour Emergency Services, Laboratory, Radiology (CAT Scan & Mobile MRI) and 24-Hour Pharmacy Services, Optometry, Dental, Clinic, Emergency, Podiatry, Same Day Clinic, and Behavioral Health.

1. OBJECTIVE

The Contractor shall provide individuals for the positions listed within to perform pharmaceutical services at the Quentin N. Burdick Memorial Health Care Facility, herein referred to as QNBMHCF in Belcourt, ND.

1. SCOPE

The Contractor shall provide individual(s) for the following services: Up to 2 Registered Pharmacist in Outpatient Pharmacy setting, based on current staffing needs.

Work will be conducted using electronic health records and pharmacy automation. Performance of duties shall meet applicable AAAHC standards and procedures compatible with the QNBMHCF’s operating capacity and equipment. All procedures shall comply with QNBMHCF infection control and safety procedures, practices, and standards. 

The contractor will report to the director of pharmacy or designee.  The contractor will perform work independently.  New medical procedures/services shall not be introduced without prior recommendation to, and approval of, the QNBMHCF authorized representative.

1. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS/ AND PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

1. Individual position specific education/training/qualification requirements.  Requirements pertaining to position described herein include:

1. Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral degree in Pharmacy from a college of pharmacy accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE).
2. A current, valid, unrestricted license to practice Pharmacy in any one of the fifty States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
3. Be Basic Life Support (BLS) certified.
4. Working knowledge of pharmacy computer systems, such as the IHS Electronic Health Record (EHR), Resource Patient Management System (RPMS), ScriptPro Central Workflow Management system and Pyxis.
5. The contract pharmacist shall be able to
   • Process prescription order in the IHS Electronic Health Record (EHR), and check for completeness, appropriateness, dosing, and allergies.  The contract pharmacist shall assure that all medications prescribed are on QNBMHCF’s formulary.  The contract pharmacist shall check for drug-drug and food interactions, contraindications and warnings. Will assess renal function by calculating the patient’s height, weight, age, serum creatinine, and the creatinine clearance. The contract pharmacist shall provide instructions to all prescribing practitioners as to substitutions of medications as applicable and answer any medical questions pertaining to medications and patient care. 
   • Deliver comprehensive pharmaceutical services within the personnel, supply, and equipment capabilities of the facility.
   • Counsel patients regarding safe and effective use of medications.
   • Review patient profiles in electronic health records to closely monitor medication therapy to identify medication-related problems and propose solutions.
   • Ensure prescription directions for use, dose, medication interactions, therapeutic duplications or overlaps, allergy information, age specific dosage, and other pertinent data are appropriate for individual patients. 
   • Ensure accuracy of all pharmaceutical products prepared or processed by technical staff.
   • Provide medication related information and training to clinical staff (ie, newly marketed  medications; appropriate use of medications; comparison of current medication therapies; and other topics as deemed appropriate by the department head).
   • Provide clinical direction to pharmacy personnel.
   • Assist with inventory control of pharmaceuticals and supplies in the pharmacy, specifically scheduled pharmaceuticals, and maintain pharmacy security. 
   • Maintain appropriate records and security of all scheduled controlled substances according to applicable regulations and local policy.
   • Consult with other specialty practitioners to provide optimal patient pharmaceutical care.
   • Participate in quality improvement efforts
   • Maintain clean and safe work areas according to applicable regulations and local policy.
   • Document significant medication interactions and pharmacy interactions with prescribers. Conduct Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) and medication error reporting in accordance with local policy.
   • Participate in medication use evaluations as necessary.
   • Working knowledge of general computer applications/software to include Microsoft Office programs, MS outlook (E-Mail), Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet familiarity is required.  A working knowledge of IHS Electronic Health Record (EHR), Resource Patient Management System (RPMS), ScriptPro Central Workflow Management system and Pyxis are preferred.
   • Speak, understand, read, and write English fluently and communicate with sufficient clarity to be understood by QNBMHCF personnel and the Native American community.
   • Knowledge of and ability to apply medical privacy and confidentiality standards including the HIPPA, accreditation standards of TJC and QNBMHCF clinical practice guidelines.
   • Contract personnel shall be able to walk, stand, bend, sit, and use computers for prolonged periods of time.  Much conversation with patients occurs through a thick window so ability to hear well is necessary to perform the duties.
   • Ensures compliance with standards of care and practice in accordance with all established policies, procedures, and guidelines. Provides care within ethical and legal boundaries.
   • Serves and participates in committees, functions and other meetings as directed.  Provides relevant and timely information as needed and assists with decision making and process improvement. Participates in customer service initiatives, and medical readiness activities designed to enhance health services.
   • Ensures a safe work environment, safe work habits and patient safety in accordance with regulatory agencies, infection control policies, and implemented process improvements.
   • The contract pharmacist shall keep complete records related to controlled medications.  This would include documenting scheduled medications per policy, reviewing and signing off on the daily controlled substance report within 24 hours of previous business day.
   • The contract pharmacist must understand and support local Service Unit and Departmental Policy, participate in problem-resolution, and adapt and incorporate change as needed.
   • The Contractor and/or the contract pharmacist shall immediately advise the Pharmacy Director or representative, of any problem(s) encountered or which may be encountered in connection with meeting the needs and concerns of patients.
   • The contract pharmacist must demonstrate effective customer service skills with cultural sensitivity and respect to internal and external customers, in face-to-face, electronic and telephonic communications.  Must be able to use conflict resolution skills when necessary.

1. TYPE OF ORDER

This is a firm fixed price purchase order.

1. ANTICIPATED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The anticipated period of performance will consist of, base period of three (3) months from award date plus three (3) options to extend an additional three (3) months.  Hours worked are M-F, between 8:00am and 7:00pm; with a possibility of 4-10 hour days, as scheduled with the Pharmacy Director.  Only hours worked that are pre-approved by the Pharmacy Director or designee will be approved for payment.  The work shifts will be scheduled as needed during the period of performance dates, no more than 40 hours per week depending on staffing needs. Typical work week will be 40 hours/week on Monday thru Friday.  Work shifts will normally be eight (8) hrs, with a 30 minute lunch, as scheduled with the Pharmacy Director. Same for ten (10) hour day, 30 minute lunch. Federal Government holidays, compensation time, including overtime are excluded.  This contract will terminate when period of performance expires, if funds availability imposes constraints or services are no longer needed, contingent upon continued need, contractor performance, and availability of funds.

1. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Quentin N Burdick Memorial Health Care Facility

1300 Hospital Loop

Belcourt, ND 58316

1. REPORT(S)/DELIVERABLES AND DELIVERY SCHEDULE

N/A

1. PAYMENT

Payment will be rendered once all supplies are shipped and accounted for and invoice is uploaded into IPP to be paid.  

10.0     Capability Statement/Information:

Interested parties are expected to review this notice to familiarize themselves with the requirements of this project. Failure to do so will be at your firm’s own risk. The following information shall be included in the capability statement:

1. A general overview of the respondents’ opinions about the difficulty and/or feasibility of the potential requirement, and any information regarding innovative ideas or concepts.

2. Information in sufficient detail about the respondent’s (a) current capability and capacity to perform the work; (b) prior completed events of similar nature/size; (c) organizational experience and management capability; and (d) examples of prior completed Government contracts and other related information.

3. The respondents’ UEI number, organization name, address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, etc.) Pursuant to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code: 621399, Office of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners, or comparable NAICS.

4. Any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the requirements of the potential acquisition.

5. The capability statement shall not exceed 10 single-sided pages (including all attachments, resumes, charts, etc.) presented in single-space and using a 12-point font size minimum, in either Microsoft Word or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), with 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper size, and 1 inch top, bottom, left and right margins.

6. All proprietary information should be marked as such. Statements should also include an indication of current certified small business status; this indication should be clearly marked on the first page of your capability statement (preferably placed under the eligible small business concern’s name and address). Responses will be reviewed only by IHS personnel and will be held in a confidential manner.

11.0   Closing Statement

Point of Contact: Farrah Azure, Purchasing Agent, at Farrah.Azure@ihs.gov  

Submission Instructions:

Interested parties shall submit capability via email to Farrah Azure, at Farrah.Azure@ihs.gov . Must include Sources Sought Number IHS-SS-26-1523556 in the Subject line. The due date for receipt of statements is February 24, 2026, 12:00 p.m. Central Time.

All responses must be received by the specified due date and time in order to be considered.

This notice is for information and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of IHS.

IHS does not intend to award a contract on the basis of responses nor otherwise pay for the preparation of any information submitted. As a result of this notice, IHS may issue a Request for Quote (RFQ).

THERE IS NO SOLICITATION AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. However, should such a requirement materialize, no basis for claims against IHS shall arise as a result of a response to this notice or IHS’s use of such information as either part of our evaluation process or in developing specifications for any subsequent requirement.

Disclaimer and Important Notes. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization’s qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a pre-solicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in SAM.gov. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation.

Confidentiality. No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response.